Seattle now has 10 days to either trade, release or outright Wells to the minors. Should he clear waivers, he can't refuse the outright and become a free agent because he doesn’t have enough service time and hasn't been previously designated for assignment.

If the Tigers wanted to bring Wells, who is out of options, back to
Detroit, they'd likely need to work out a trade with the Mariners. That
said, it probably wouldn't take much to pull off a deal as they
have plenty of pitching prospects that should entice Seattle.

The Mariners can reportedly wait a few days before putting him on waivers in an effort to get him to pass through without being claimed, but it seems unlikely he'd go unclaimed with several teams -- including the Phillies -- interested in addressing thin outfields.

As it stands, the Tigers will enter the season with Matt Tuiasosopo playing the part-time role alongside Andy Dirks in left field after the club announced he had made the team last week. But nothing is set in stone.

If the Tigers were to claim Wells off waivers, they'd have to immediately put him on the 25-man roster. And, if they were to remove him, he would need to be designated for assignment again. That creates some flexibility issues that could stand in their way.

It's still not known if the Tigers will actually put a claim on Wells, but -- regardless -- it's become abundantly clear that Detroit has come out as the winner in the 2011 trade.

What's your take? Do you think the Tigers will target Wells? What would it take to pull off a trade with Seattle? Would a reliever -- like right-hander Luis Marte -- make sense? And if the Tigers acquired Wells, what would become of Tuiasosopo?

Drop a line in the comment section below and I'll check in periodically throughout the day to give my take.